'One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art.' – Oscar Wilde

fashion design

Next season your wardrobe needs but only one colour. Yes, there was some all-black-everything attire but red, beige and grey colour blocking was present too.

Light knitted turtle neck jumpers were paired with midi skirts that featured a front split and straight leg trousers in a matching colour.

Of course, what would Max Mara be without the brand’s signature coats? There was one to match your mood, colour choice and style. Virtually all were ankle length and made with the same fabrics of the rest of the ensemble. A cape was also displayed with arm holes that exposed up to the elbow.

The designs are smart enough to wear to the office and casual enough to wear for your Sunday brunch too. Whatever your mood, mantra or mission, there’s a reason to shop Max Mara next season.

A glimpse into the future; one of London Fashion Week’s most anticipated shows, the Fashion Master’s students of Central Saint Martins show their work. The industry gets a taste of who will be the next biggest thing in British fashion.

As always, there is much variety that is presented and the skill, aesthetic and creativity of the students of one of the world’s most prestigious fashion universities is evident and a pleasure to see.

A key neutral colour scheme of black, white and navy was juxtaposed with the injection of zesty lemon and sky blue. This softness was also reflected in the fabrics which flowed like they were dancing in wind.

The collection was soft in its presentation yet the details are what bring the designs to life: a cut in the right places, revealing subtle cleavage or the shoulder. Presence is seen and noticed without demanding the attention: the epitome of elegance.

‘The King of Fashion’, Cristobal Balenciaga has left behind a legacy that is virtually impossible to compete with. Even Christian Dior said that he was “the master of us (designers) all.” Coco Chanel stated the fashion designer was, “the only couturier in the truest sense of the word.”

Cristobal Balenciaga was known for his innovative and beautiful couture, which gave him the opportunity to design for Spanish and Belgian royalty.

After opening his Paris Couture house in 1937, Balenciaga’s fame continued to rise as his innovation was evident. He transformed the silhouette to that of broad shoulders and took away the emphasis of the waist.

He retired in 1968 after 30 years of working in Paris. Cristobal Balenciaga sadly passed away 23rd March 1972. Women’s Wear Daily headlined ‘The King is dead’, which truly concludes the impact this icon left on the fashion industry.

The iconic Tom Ford is highly recognised for his glamorous and powerful aesthetic. Kicking off New York Fashion Week in the Four Seasons hotel whilst it is under construction with an event full of Hollywood stars including Uma Thurman and Tom Hanks, symbolises the way Mr. Ford creates clothes.

As well as providing a stunning start to the week, Tom Ford launched the fastest of fashion retail strategy. See it, buy it, own it. The whole collection was made available instantly from directly online and department stores such as Bergdorf Goodman’s. The designer wanted change, and if it delivers, it will change the fashion world forever.

Waists are clinched by leather corsets that feature heavy buckle detail. Velvet also features on ankle-length dresses which ooze glamour. Get the Tom Ford look by combining theses elements and polishing off the look with atweed blazer.

Save the date: Thursday 8th September brings the start of the greatest bi-annual event; fashion week. Kicking off in New York, this generation’s super models will be gracing the catwalks of Milan, London and Paris over the month, showcasing next season’s trends which are created by the visionaries that are fashion designers.

With the pre-fashion month buzz, it was necessary that I created a list of all the reasons that it is the industry’s most anticipated occasion.

You have to wait 365 days for your birthday, even for Christmas. But fashion week? No! Our lives are blessed with a 4 week ready-to-wear runway season TWICE a year. Once in February and again in September. Aren’t we lucky?

2. It’s a luxurious display of global talent in the major fashion capitals.

Source: thekeepgoingtheory.com 📸

As if you needed another excuse to visit some of the world’s most beautiful cities, fashion week offers one. Whether you want to experience: the night life in New York, the shopping in London, the food in Milan or the art in Paris, fashion week is a valid reason to go. You could also spot fashion show attendees and their street style or you might even spot your favourite celebrity!

Although the shows are invite-only, you can experience the atmosphere of a fashion show on YouTube, where it is usually uploaded. A combination of music, lighting and choreography creates a stunning visual that is comparible to the greatest cinematic performances.

50 years ago, you would have 0 access to fashion shows unless they were published in print or you were wealthy or famous enough to receive an exclusive invite. Now, you can access this at the tip of your fingers. Follow your favourite houses on SnapChat or Instagram for runway snaps, go on YouTube to watch the full show or download the New York Fashion Week App to live stream NYFW shows. No more RSVP!

Wether you love the new generation of social-media celebrity models such as Kendall Jenner and the Hadid sisters, Bella and Gigi, or, you miss the days of the supermodels including: Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss and Cindy Crawford, there’s always a chance to fan-girl at fashion week. With the 90’s currently trending, I predict we’ll get to see a few familiar faces this season. You never know what surprises hide up the designer’s high-fashion sleeves.

Currently the Chief Creative and CEO of Burberry with 2017 seeing him as President, Christopher Bailey is credited with the innovation of the British brand, as well as turning it into a digital leader in luxury fashion. Spanning over 15 years with the brand, Bailey has updated the aesthetic whilst respecting it’s traditions. In 2008, he and Angela Ahrendts (former CEO) created the Burberry Foundation which assists young people discover their potential through harnessing their creativity.

Before his career at Burberry, Bailey was Senior Designer of Womenswear at Gucci. Before that, he worked at Donna Karan after graduating with a Master’s degree from the Royal College of Art.

Famous work: Credited for the innovation and profit increase of Burberry

Did you know?: Christopher Bailey took a 75% pay cut from £7.5 million to £1.9 million due to fall in profit.

The Burberry CEO was born in Yorkshire.

He completed his BA at Westminster University

Awards: Honorary Fellowship from the Royal College of Arts (2004), Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards (2005, 2009), Honorary Doctorate from the University of Westminster (2006), Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Huddersfield (2007), Menswear Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards (2007, 2008,2013), Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in HM Queen Elizabeth II Birthday 2009 Honours List for Services to the Fashion Industry (2009), Honorary Patron of the University of Philosophical Society, Trinity College (2009), International Award at the Council of Fashion Designers of America (2010), Honorary Doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University (2011), Honorary Doctorate from Royal College of Art (2013)

Quotes:

It’s really important to be disruptive and do things that are kind of a little scary and bold.

We meet so many people, and it’s interesting when you meet someone who you really connect with. They have their own energy, their own personality, and that’s something so different than just beauty. So that really drives the decision for who to work with on a campaign.

So fashion was, in a way, an accident. But this world opens you up to a lot of different avenues that interested me. I loved the idea of working in different countries. And I loved the idea of construction and working with imagery. But, yes, I fell into fashion a bit by mistake.